Foxboro Blog Top 12: Week 17
I love weeks like the one coming up. Ten of our Top 12 teams are pitted against each other in battles that will send teams flying up and down the board or cementing their spot as we head towards the post-season.
#1 - Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has laid down total spankings of their opponents in back to back weeks. However, as we've been saying all season, it's their first home playoff performance that will truly matter.
Last Week: 2 Change: +1 Record: 13-2 Next Game: vs. Buccaneers
#2 - San Francisco 49ers
I won't kill the Niners for losing to the Seahawks on the road, especially after toppling the Pats on the road as well. San Francisco is still the most complete NFC team in my book.
Last Week: 1 Change: -1 Record: 10-4-1 Next Game: vs. Cardinals
#3 - New England Patriots
The win was lackluster, but people are overlooking the fact that New England was resting a bunch of banged up starters. I could drop them a spot since it was still a game against a 2-win Jaguars squad, but I refuse to put the Patriots below the Broncos...
Last Week: 3 Change: 0 Record: 11-4 Next Game: vs. Dolphins
#4 - Denver Broncos
..because Denver still hasn't beaten a single "elite" team and has lost to three of them. Suddenly a win at home against the Browns has everyone touting them as the best team in the NFL? It's moments like this that make it clear the media has lost their collective mind.
Last Week: 4 Change: 0 Record: 12-3 Next Game: vs. Chiefs
#5 - Green Bay Packers
The Pack can thank Seattle for opening up a path to a first-round bye. After Week 3, it's the least the Seahawks could do.
Last Week: 5 Change: 0 Record: 11-4 Next Game: @ Vikings
#6 - Seattle Seahawks
Unless the hapless Cardinals pull off the upset against San Fran, the Seahawks will likely be spending the entire playoffs on the road. Still, no playoff foe should take this team lightly.
Last Week: 7 Change: +1 Record: 10-5 Next Game: vs. Rams
#7 - Houston Texans
If Houston doesn't notch its very first franchise win at Indianpolis on Sunday, they may drop all the way from the #1 seed to the #3.
Last Week: 6 Change: -1 Record: 12-3 Next Game: @ Colts
#8 - Washington Redskins
The Cowboys are all that stands between RGIII and Washington's improbable run to a division title.
Last Week: 8 Change: 0 Record: 9-6 Next Game: vs. Cowboys
#9 - Indianapolis Colts
For three hours on Sunday, all of New England will be doing the unthinkable and rooting for the Colts.
Last Week: 9 Change: 0 Record: 10-5 Next Game: vs. Texans
#10 - Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have little to play for other than pride against the Ravens. Will they show up or rest their players for a likely trip to New England?
Last Week: 11 Change: +11 Record: 9-6 Next Game: vs. Ravens
#11 - Dallas Cowboys
Once again, it's all or nothing for Dallas in Week 17. Will Tony Romo and his teammates be able to finally make the leap this year?
Last Week: 12 Change: +1 Record: 8-7 Next Game: @ Redskins
#12 - Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens make it back onto the Top 12 list after knocking out the Giants. Will they be able to recoup for a playoff run or will this injured team be one and done?
Last Week: N/A Change: N/A Record: 10-5 Next Game: @ Bengals
